My pictures from Skylands this weekend!

This past weekend, a group of us flew to Skylands, my home in Seal Harbor,
Maine.  The purpose of the visit was to work with Pierre on my new
entertaining book.  A rather heavy snowfall made for a beautiful and
exciting visit.  Skylands is gorgeous all year round, but, it's truly
magical in the snow!   

Beautiful Skylands in the snow - March 1, 2008 - this is the “roundabout" - the circle drive to the house.

This is the back gate covered with snow.

A view down the long drive which eventually reaches the house - "Rockefeller teeth" edge the drive

Our first glimpse of the house.

The “Rockefeller teeth” are really big granite stones set on edge to prevent anyone from falling thirty feet down behind a wall.

Here's our own plow, which can easily care for the roads in such severe weather.

Blake is one of the groundsmen at Skylands - he and an expert crew take care of the place year-round.

A young picea (spruce) at Skylands with a coating of what looks like cotton candy snow!

All the branches look so soft and fluffy with the new-fallen snow.

My Brazilian barbecue grill sits under a covering of snow.

One great feature of the garden is the “council circle” where, in the summer, we roast marshmallows and tell ghost stories.

The towering pines behind the house

A view of a portion of the back terrace which, on a sunny day, overlooks the sea and Seal Harbor

These are pink granite cliffs covered in ice and snow.

the western terrace layered in snow

a stone planter

The perfect time for cups of steaming rich and dark hot chocolate!

A snowy day looking from inside out of a leaded glass window.

Our photographer, Frederic Lagrange, taking beautiful images inside while I went outdoors and captured the blizzard and snow with my Canon G9.

Eventually the sun came out and the day was glorious!

Comments

[JAMES SPIVEY]

HI I LOVE THE PICTURES WE HAD SNOW YESTERDAY IN WEST TEXAS IT WAS NICE WELL I LOVE TO WATCH YOUR SHOW I LOVE YOUR DOGS THEY ARE SO CUTE I USED TO RAISED CHOWS THEY ARE VERY GOOD DOGS WELL DO MORE PICTURES OF YOUR DOGS THANKS
JAMES

[Jan Erickson]

Hi Martha, WOW! What gorgeous photos of the beautiful snowfall at Skylands! It looks like you had more than a foot of snow. The last picture, when the sun finally came out, is stunning. I'll bet everything looked absolutely pristine when the sun came out. It looks like spring will be late reaching Seal Harbor. Thanks again for sharing. Jan

[Geri]

Dear Martha,
I know you're busy, but if you ever decide to adopt a child, I'm your girl!!! I'm 46 now and it's hard to find parents for people my age. Beautiful pictures!!!

[Andrew Ritchie]

Martha,

Skylands is my favourite! I have loved seeing photos of it in the magazine and kudos to you for knowing a true gem of a house when you saw it. The landscape alone is a treasure.

I have never seen photographs of it in the snow before. It looks extraordinary!

I once received a nice email via my blog from the son of Mrs. Leede, the previous owner of Skylands, after the Fords. He wanted to know about the issues of Martha Stewart Living that featured photographs of Skylands for his own collection, which I gladly passed on to him along with the phone number to order back issues of MSL.

Can't wait for the new Entertaining book!

-Andrew

[Brian]

Martha, what a truly beautiful and magical place. As a fellow Mainer, we all have had wonderful white views here with record amounts of snowfall. My wife and I have been to Seal Harbor in the summer, but never in the winter season.

[Holly]

Hi Martha,

My husband and I really enjoyed your photos of Skylands - what a beautiful winter retreat! We were visiting family in Bedford this weekend and happened past your farm (we recognized it from photos in your magazine) - what an amazing place! I can only imagine how beautiful it will be come spring!

Holly

[Linda Gail]

Martha:)
What a gorgeous winter wonderland.The whole thing looks like a very magical place. The "council circle"does look like a place that has ancient magic powers.
Skylands is truly the winter wonderland of everyones' dreams. You are so bless to have this piece of heaven on earth.
Love and Luck
Linda Gail

[Pat]

These were beautiful photos! We don't have snows like that here in South Carolina.

[Jane M]

WOW!

[Pam]

The snow is beautiful. That is something I don't get to see often here in Georgia. I really enjoyed looking at all the winter wonderland photos.

[Sues]

Wow, those are some beautiful pictures. Even though the snow can be a pain sometimes, it sure makes everything gorgeous. Especially when you have a fabulous plow man!

Sues

[rachelmira]

Hi Martha,

I really enjoy your blog. The pictures of your gardens inspired me to take pictures of my garden as well. Thanks!

Rachel

http://reservoir4.blogspot.com/

[Vera M]

Wowwwww !!!!Its amazing place...and with snow became extraordinary !!!!
big hug

[Judy]

That is just beautiful.

[Nancy]

Hi Martha: Oh, I just love Skylands...what a stunning, beautiful drive. Fall and winter have always been my favorite seasons. Winter's beauty is so serene. Thank-you for sharing, Martha.

Nancy

[Lisa]

Oh, Martha-
This is such a magical place, Skylands. I am glad you take such beautiful care of such a treasure.
Thank you for sharing, really..
Sincerely,
Lisa
coastal nest

[jcarr]

Love all the photos of Skyland. Also enjoyed the piece on witch hazel. I can remember my mother using witch hazel and especially one night when I awoke with leg pains. My mother got the witch hazel rubbing my legs until the pain went away and I fell asleep.

Thanks for the information.

Joan

[Maureen]

What beautiful pictures! Thank you for sharing them with us.

[Carolyn]

The snow is so beautiful!!!

Carolyn

[Jenny]

GLORIOUS!!! Thanks for sharing!

[Kelly]

Martha,
These are gorgeous pictures! Thanks for sharing!
Kelly

[Renée Couture]

Vos photos sont magnifiques.
C'est un endroit superbe et sous la neige, c'est féerique. Vous avez autant de neige que nous, ici au Québec.

Merci pour ces petits voyages.
Renée.

[Kathy]

Martha,
Skylands is so beautiful! Thanks for a glimpse of its winter wonders.
Kathy

[Chris]

Hi Martha,
What a beautiful place. Thank you for all the snowy photos. We visited Bar Harbor and drove around that island area several years ago. It is so beautiful there. I remember that you did a hike/climb in the Arcadia park. Was that about the time you bought Skylands? One of my favorite things in that area is the lobster available in "burger" like stands as well as fine restaurants. Yum.

[Claudine]

Everything is beautiful with a covering of snow, but Skylands is amazing with ot without the snow. Thanks for sharing! When can we buy the book :)
Claudine

[Emmy]

The photos reminded me of that great film with Jack Nicholson - "The Shining" - where that grand hotel had the maze covered in snow!

One of my favorite blog posts so far.

[Claudia]

No words. Fantastic.
Another magical spot, hein?

Lucky girl you are, dear Martha.

Claudia

[lois]

Thank you for sharing the beautiful scenery with us.
It is beautiful there.

[PAULINE MUCCIACCIOP]

Hi Martha,
As always wonderful pictures.
I guess I'll be enjoying looking at your pictures for awhile since it doesn't look to promising that we'll get a nice big snowfall any time soon here in NY.
Let it snow...
Pauline Mucciaccio

[brayden's mom]

Wonderful pictures. Snow is just amazing to me. Everybody else complains but it's Mother Nature's best!!! ;o)

[Angela]

Great photos! The Canon G9 is a pretty nifty little point and shoot. What's your pro using?

I just wanted to comment here, as your "webmaster" email link doesn't work, and there's no feedback form that I've been able to find on your main website. My young boys absolutely love watching your show (ages 10 and 11), and insist on watching it every morning before school. You've become quite a role model for them.
Thank you.

[Sherey]

Magical and magnificent is Skylands covered in snow. Fun to have your own snow plow, too! I know you are visiting our beautiful Vancouver today on business and i hope we don't disappoint...we ordered sunshine just for you Martha. Hope you will have time to enjoy our scenery...the mountains should be looking spectacular. Wishing you a wonderful stay here...i know it's brief...but i hope you and your entourage get to sample some great cuisine.

Thanks for the gorgeous photos of Skylands in winter. Hope you have a chance to show some photos of Vancouver on your blog.

Sherey

[Cinnamon]

Simply glorious!!! Skylands looks like a piece of heaven.

[Sharlene]

Martha, Your beautiful pictures brought to mind Robert Frost's poem, "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening"...
"Whose woods these are, I think I know,
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow. . ."
How peaceful!

[suzy]

These pictures totally transported me to Skylands, to a different world. Here in Hampton on the coast we have had such a mild winter the ground has never even frozen. The last couple of days have been in the 70's and everything in the garden is so ahead of schedule. I really enjoyed these pictures, thank you for sharing. xo, suzy

[Steve & Brenda Shelton]

I am speechless and mesmerized by the incredible haunting beauty of your home.

[Deanna Redenbach]

Hi Martha,
The snow pictures are always my favorites because here in Florida we don't ever see any snow.
I sometimes think I live vicariously through your fun, keep up the good things.

[Cornelia Tragesser]

I've never heard of Rockerfeller Teeth. That is so simple and it's okay to do. If you don't mind I'd like to copy the idea on my property. I hope it's alright. I'll tell everybody I got the idea from Martha's Rockerfeller Teeth. Thankyou.

[Michae'l]

I love when winter puts everything to sleep! Our many feet of snow is gone now and I am desperately awaiting the buds on the trees and the green hues in the grass! Wake up, nature!!!

[Betty Brown]

Martha--absolutely gorgeous pictures. I live in the midwest, and our snows are quite pretty,too. These pictures are great--thanks for sharing. Love your tv programs, but miss the old programs--especially when your mom was on. My condolences to you in the loss of mom.

[antonia rankin]

When can I come for a visit?
You really are a very good photographer. The photos are really good and capture the essence of this outstanding property. How wonderfully peaceful and healing - good for you Martha!!!!

[carol budro]

I would like to post a photo of Moon a PMU foal born in N.D. May 30 2007. She is home in Amherst NH now her first snow in New Hampshre must be like her Mom's in North Dakota.
I keep a 26 ft. glass sloop in York Harbor Maine. I am sure you have many chances,for sailing but give me notice and I give you one more. My Mom comes from Baring Maine. I was born in 1942.

[Joan Kotvas]

Hi Martha
Beautiful photos. My question doesn't apply to your photos - I tried your tomato soup and it is delicious. My husband loves french onion soup so I am wondering if you'll be coming up with french onion soup soon?

[Rowaida]

Dear Martha,
WOW!!! Beautiful place and wonderful pictures. Thank you for sharing them with us.
God Bless
Rowaida Flayhan

[millport17]

Is there somewhere I could see a picture of the "council circle" without the snow? Thanks!

[Sheila Geiling]

Hi Martha,

As I view these pictures I get so excited. We are experiencing at this very moment the most snow we have had for the winter here in central Ohio. They have blizzard warnings out for the night! We never get enough snow and I kept wishing for just one big snow. Don't laugh - 8 inches is a lot for us. HA! But... predictions are for 14! I can't wait to play tomorrow in the drifts. I'm 51 and you'd think I was 12. HA!
Hugs and Kisses to you!!

[Gloria Brown]

Greetings Martha!

I live about 50 minutes from Skyland in Winterport. My husband took me for a sunny drive to MDI on my 50th birthday (Feb. 5th) and I enjoyed the serenity of the island. We had a picnic in Seal Harbor with the sun glistening on the water and then went for a hike. Our afternoon ended with dinner at a quaint restaurant in Ellsworth. My only complaint about being on the island during the winter months is locating a rest room. Thank goodness for the information center in Trenton.
Martha, I agree with you about last weekend’s heavy snowfall being exciting and magical. My husband and I took the opportunity and went snowshoeing and we had a blast...of course we had another picnic. Do you do winter picnics? Picnics in the snow are invigorating whether you are with a group or alone.

[Lynn]

Hi Martha, I just love looking at your pictures. And your properties are just gorgeous. You are a very lucky woman.

[BeachMama]

Martha, you have been so blessed in your life to live in such beautiful places. The snow is magical, but so is Skylands. Thank you for sharing your home with us.

p.s. Looking forward to the new Entertaining book!

[Jeanie Curry]

Martha,
I'm glad to see the world was magical and beautiful in your neck of the woods. Unfortunately my husband layed dying in the hospital, and yesterday was his funeral. If I wasn't in such turmoil I may have loged on to your blog and my day would have been brightened. Charlie and I always enjoyed watching you - thank you. I guess he can watch you from heaven :) and I from earth.

[Gloria Brown]

Dear Jeanie,

I would like to extend my sympathy. Charlie will comfort you as you watch Martha's show.

Very Sincerely,
Gloria

[Thelma]

Hi

I live in Quebec, Canada. We have had the most snow this winter that I can remember. I enjoy taking pics outside also. Your pics are beautiful.

[Carol Watkins]

This is the first time I have visited a Blog. What a wonderful site. Love the pictures of Skylands. Living in Maine my whole life is a good thing. I love the seasons. I will return to visit your blog. Very interesting.

[Kim Wylie]

After all of those snowy pictures, the hot chocolate photo made me smile! How nice to have snow...I'm stuck with this horrible 60+ degree weather in SC. Oh, well. ;)

[Susan M.]

Your photos truly show how beautiful Maine is after a snowstorm. Now, if we could all have your groundsman, Blake, on our crew it would be just perfect!

[JBrennan]

Martha:

Skylands looks like a winter wonderland. The landscape and style of your house remind me very much of Tuxedo Park. My sister lives there and I work right down the road.

The houses there, like yours, were meant to look as though they naturally fit into the landscape, rather than compete with it; sort of like pre-Frank Lloyd Wright. I'd be interested to know who was the architect.

I'm anxiously waiting for your new book. I understand you've been working on it for quite a while, but then, all good things take time. I have a good feeling it will be one of your best efforts!

Joseph

[Carol]

Your Skylands pictures are just wonderful! I remembered you saying one time that we should think of some of the snow 'sculptures' our plantings and outdoor decor may provide in the winter. I thought of that as I took my own photos last week in our 20 inch snow event in Central OH. I even took a photo of MY homemade hot cocoa (before I saw yours). I thought who else would do this? You are a true inspiration and show us how much joy we can derive from the details of all seasons.

[Sue]

Love your blog and photos on the Maine house, Martha!

[eiyra]

hello martha,

i am from malaysia and we all here love u so much..we enjoyed all ur recipes and tips..i hope u can come to malaysia one day..it is really a beautiful country..best of luck

[a'een]

hello martha..
lets come to malaysia..trust me,it is really a great country